Interchangeable semi-mount ring system and method for selling rings

ABSTRACT

A semi-mount ring system includes a set of semi-mount shanks and a set of semi-mount heads. Each semi-mount shank includes a substantially similar head mounting mechanism. Each semi-mount head includes a stone mounting mechanism, one or more stones or the like secured within the stone mounting mechanism, and a substantially similar shank mounting mechanism. The head mounting mechanism of the shanks and the shank mounting mechanism of the heads are of a mating form, thereby allowing any semi-mount head to be detachably secured to any semi-mount shank to form a ring that has the appearance of a completed ring. In this fashion, a customer, for example, may select a custom ring and view the ring in its final form before the ring is completed.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/693,150, filed on Jun. 23, 2005, by Eli Savransky, entitled, “INTERCHANGEABLE SEMI-MOUNT RING,” the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to semi-mount rings, and in particular, to a ring system that includes semi-mount shanks that can be interchangeably connected with semi-mount heads having stones or the like secured therein and to methods for selling rings.

2. Description of the Art

A ring, such as an engagement ring, may include a shank, a head secured to the shank, and a focal stone, such as a diamond, secured/mounted within the head. In general, the shank is the portion of the ring that fits around one's finger. The head includes a mechanism, such as a plurality prongs, that holds the focal stone and thereby secures or mounts the stone to the shank.

Jewelers often sell rings, such as custom engagement rings, by displaying to prospective customers numerous semi-mount shanks of different styles and by separately displaying a variety of individual loose focal stones of different styles (i.e., stones that are not secured to a head or a shank). More specifically, a semi-mount shank is a shank that does not include a focal stone set therein. For example, a semi-mount shank may include an integral head secured thereto, the head simply being a set of prongs, for example, into which a focal stone may thereafter be placed and secured. Alternatively, a semi-mount shank may be a shank with a gap or opening therein, into which gap or opening a head and a focal stone may thereafter be secured. In general, each of the semi-mount shanks displayed by the jeweler may be of a different style with each shank including, for example, a different decorative pattern etched thereon, and/or one or more secondary stones secured thereto in various fashions. Each of the focal stones displayed by the jeweler may be of a different type, shape, and/or size, for example

By displaying to prospective customers different styles of semi-mount shanks and different varieties of loose focal stones, jewelers allow customers to select a desired shank and a desired stone to form a custom ring. More specifically, when selling rings in this fashion, a prospective customer traditionally views the different shanks and loose stones and selects a possible desired combination. In order to demonstrate to the customer how the final ring may appear once the stone is mounted within the head and to the shank, the jeweler often thereafter grabs the selected stone with a pair of tweezers and holds the stone over the shank and/or head. Alternatively, the jeweler may simply place/rest the stone atop the head. If the customer is unhappy with the selected combination, the customer may thereafter select a different shank and/or stone, with the jeweler then repeating the above process. Once the customer is satisfied with the selected combination, the jeweler thereafter mounts the stone within a head and secures the head to the shank.

In general, displaying and selling rings in the above fashion is advantageous in that a customer is able to select a custom ring and a jeweler is able to maintain a limited sized inventory (i.e., the jeweler only needs to maintain a single version of each shank and a single variation of each stone, for example). Nonetheless, selling rings in this fashion has several drawbacks. For example, because the selected focal stone is not actually mounted within a head and secured to the selected semi-mount shank, the customer often gets only a crude view of how the final ring may appear once the stone is actually permanently mounted within the head and shank. Similarly, the customer often has difficulty viewing the ring because the jeweler often has difficulty holding the focal stone steady in the shank or head. In addition, because the focal stone is not secured to the shank, the customer is not able to easily handle the ring or place the ring on a finger and thereafter move the ring to get different perspectives of the ring.

As an alternative to selling rings by displaying to prospective customers different semi-mount shanks and different individual loose focal stones as described above, a jeweler may maintain and display several “ring series”. In general, a ring series is a set of finished/completed rings each having the same style shank and with each shank having a different type, shape, and/or size focal stone mounted therein. Accordingly, a jeweler may maintain several ring series, each series having a different style shank and with each ring within a series having a different style stone, for example. The jeweler may display to prospective customers each of the rings within each of the series, thereby allowing a customer to select a custom ring. Advantageously, as compared to above, using ring series to sell rings allows the customer to easily see and handle the rings in a completed form.

Nonetheless, selling custom rings by using ring series has several drawbacks. Specifically, rather than simply maintaining a single semi-mount shank of a given style and several stones of different types, shapes, and/or sizes, the jeweler must now maintain a large inventory of finished rings. This inventory may require a substantial investment cost for the jeweler, may be difficult to physically display given limited space, and may also create additional work in having to manage the inventory.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a ring system that overcomes the above and other disadvantages of the prior art. According to an embodiment of the invention, a semi-mount ring system includes a semi-mount shank and a separate semi-mount head. The semi-mount shank includes a body and a head mounting mechanism integral with the body. The semi-mount head includes a stone mounting mechanism (e.g., prongs), a focal stone or the like secured/mounted within the stone mounting mechanism, and a shank mounting mechanism secured to the stone mounting mechanism.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the head mounting mechanism of the semi-mount shank and the shank mounting mechanism of the semi-mount head are configured such that the head mounting mechanism may receive the shank mounting mechanism in order to attach the head to the shank to form a ring. The head mounting mechanism and shank mounting mechanism are also configured such that the head may thereafter be removed from the shank, thereby again forming two separate units. According to an embodiment of the invention, the head mounting mechanism and shank mounting mechanism may also be configured such that when the head is detachably secured to the shank, the head and shank are interconnected in a stable fashion so that the resulting ring may be moved without concern of the head disconnecting from the shank. According to an embodiment of the invention, the head mounting mechanism and shank mounting mechanism may also be configured such that when the head is detachably secured to the shank, the ring has a clean and finished appearance as if the ring were in a final form, even though it is not. According to an embodiment of the invention, the semi-mount shank and semi-mount head may be configured such that when detachably secured to form the ring, the shank and head have the appearance of being one continuous piece of metal for example, thereby resulting in a ring that has the stylistic appearance of being a “custom one piece casting”.

According to an embodiment of the invention, a jewelry store, department store, vendor at a trade show, etc. (hereinafter collectively referred to as a retailer) may provide or display to prospective customers for example, a plurality of semi-mount shanks of different styles and a plurality of semi-mount heads each with a focal stone or the like pre-mounted therein of a different type, size, and/or style, for example. According to an embodiment of the invention, each of the plurality of semi-mount shanks provided or displayed by the retailer has a substantially identical head mounting mechanism, irrespective of how the remainder of the shank is shaped or designed. Similarly, each of the plurality of semi-mount heads provided or displayed by the retailer has a substantially identical shank mounting mechanism, irrespective of the type, style, and/or size of the stone pre-mounted therein. In addition, the head mounting mechanism and shank mounting mechanism of each of the provided or displayed shanks and heads are of a mating-form, as described above. In this way and according to an embodiment of the invention, a retailer may provide or display to prospective customers different semi-mount shanks and different semi-mount heads with different stones mounted therein and allow the customers to interchangeably mix and match any of the heads with any of the shanks in order to form any number of different custom rings, each ring having the head detachably secured to the shank and each ring having a clean and finished appearance.

As such and according to an embodiment of the invention, a prospective customer may view a plurality of displayed semi-mount shanks and semi-mount heads and select any one of the semi-mount shanks and any one of the semi-mount heads. Through the head mounting mechanism and shank mounting mechanism of the selected shank and head, the head may thereafter be secured to the shank to form a complete ring. According to an embodiment of the invention, the customer may thereafter hold and view the ring, and move the ring without concern that the head or stone will disconnect from the shank. In addition, according to an embodiment of the invention, the ring may have a clean and finished appearance as if the ring where in a final form, even though the ring is technically not finished, allowing the customer to easily see how the ring will appear once completed.

Assuming the selected shank and/or head do not meet the customer's preference, the head and shank may be detached and a different head and/or shank detachably connected. Such a process may continue until the customer finds a desired combination of a head and a shank. Thereafter and according to an embodiment of the invention, a finished ring may be formed by soldering, for example, the selected head to the shank.

Accordingly, the semi-mount ring system of the present invention has the advantage of allowing a retailer, for example, to easily and conveniently show a prospective customer numerous different custom rings. The semi-mount ring system also has the advantage of allowing the customer to easily see how each custom ring will appear once completed. In addition, the present invention also allows a customer to handle and try each ring on a hand to further visualize how the ring will appear, without the jeweler having to hold the stone. In addition, the present invention allows a retailer to sell numerous styles of custom rings while maintaining, if desired, a limited sized inventory.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention, which refers to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a front view of a semi-mount ring system that includes a semi-mount shank and a semi-mount head with a stone mounted therein according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1B shows a front view of the semi-mount shank and semi-mount head of FIG. 1A in an assemble configuration according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 2A-2Q show top and front views of different semi-mount shanks according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 3A-3L show top, front, and side views of different semi-mount heads that can be mounted to the semi-mount shanks of FIGS. 2A-2Q according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C show a front view, a top view, and a cross-sectional side view of a semi-mount shank according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 shows a front view of a semi-mount shank according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C show a front view, a side view, and a bottom view of a semi-mount head according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7A shows a front view of a semi-mount shank and semi-mount head in an assemble configuration according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7B shows a front view of a semi-mount shank and semi-mount head in an assemble configuration according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 shows a front view of a semi-mount shank and semi-mount head in an assemble configuration according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 shows a cross sectional side view of a semi-mount shank and semi-mount head in an assemble configuration according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 shows a cross sectional side view of a semi-mount shank and semi-mount head in an assemble configuration according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 shows a cross sectional side view of a semi-mount ring system that includes a semi-mount shank and a semi-mount head with a stone mounted therein according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12A shows a front view of a semi-mount ring system that includes a semi-mount shank and a semi-mount head with a stone mounted therein according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12B shows a top view of the semi-mount shank of FIG. 12A according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12C shows a front view of the semi-mount shank and semi-mount head of FIG. 12A in an assemble configuration according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 13A-13E show top and front views of different semi-mount shanks according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 14A-14L show top and front views of different semi-mount heads that can be mounted to the semi-mount shanks of FIGS. 13A-13E according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 15A-E show top, front, side, and perspective views of a semi-mount shank according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 15F-N show top, front, and side views of different semi-mount heads that can be mounted to the semi-mount shank of FIGS. 15A-15E according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 shows a process according to an embodiment of the invention for selling rings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1A, there is illustrated a semi-mount ring system 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. Semi-mount ring system 100 includes a semi-mount shank 110 and a separate semi-mount head 130. Semi-mount shank 110 includes a body 112 and a head mounting mechanism 114 integral with body 112. Semi-mount head 130 includes a stone mounting mechanism 132, such as a plurality of prongs (i.e., two or more prongs), a focal stone or the like 134 secured/mounted within stone mounting mechanism 132, and a shank mounting mechanism 136 secured at the base of stone mounting mechanism 132.

According to an embodiment of the invention, head mounting mechanism 114 of semi-mount shank 110 and shank mounting mechanism 136 of semi-mount head 130 are configured such that the head mounting mechanism may receive the shank mounting mechanism in order to attach head 130 to shank 110 to form a ring 102, as shown in FIG. 1B. Head mounting mechanism 114 and shank mounting mechanism 136 are also configured such that head 130 may thereafter be removed from shank 110, thereby again forming two separate units, as shown in FIG. 1A.

According to an embodiment of the invention, head mounting mechanism 114 and shank mounting mechanism 136 may also be configured such that when head 130 is detachably secured to shank 110, the head and shank are interconnected in a secure and stable fashion so that ring 102 may be moved without concern of head 130 disconnecting from shank 110. For example, the shank 110 and head 130 may be secured such that a customer may place ring 102 on a finger and move the ring to view the ring from different perspectives, for example. Significantly, because stone 134 is secured/mounted within stone mounting mechanism 132 of head 130 as indicated above, such movement may be conducted without a jeweler, for example, having to hold the stone within the head and without concern that the stone may fall from ring 102.

According to an embodiment of the invention, head mounting mechanism 114 and shank mounting mechanism 136 may also be configured such that when head 130 is detachably secured to shank 110, ring 102 has a clean and finished appearance as if the ring where in a final form ready for delivery to a customer, even though the ring is technically not finished (i.e., even though head 130 is not permanently secured to shank 110). According to an embodiment of the invention, shank 110 and head 130 may also be configured such that when detachably interconnected to form ring 102, the shank and head have the appearance of being one continuous piece of metal for example, thereby resulting in a ring 102 that has the stylistic appearance of being a “custom one piece casting,” as is known in the art.

According to an embodiment of the invention, a jewelry store, department store, vendor at a trade show, etc. (hereinafter collectively referred to as a retailer), may provide or display to prospective customers for example, a plurality of semi-mount shanks 110 of different styles/appearances. For example, FIGS. 2A-2Q each show a top view and a front view of a different style semi-mount shank 110 according to an embodiment of the invention. One skilled in the art will recognize that semi-mount shanks 110 of FIGS. 2A-2Q are merely examples and other style shanks are possible. As shown in these Figures, each of the shanks 110 provided by a retailer may have a different overall shape, may have a different decorative pattern formed on body 112, and may have one or more secondary stones 115 a/115 b, for example, of one or more types, sizes, and/or styles secured to body 112 (see, e.g., FIG. 2G). In addition to semi-mount shanks 110, a retailer may also provide or display to prospective customers a plurality of heads 130 each with a different appearance as a result of varying the focal stone 134 or the like pre-mounted therein. For example, FIGS. 3A-3L each show a top view, a front view, and one or more side views of different heads 130 according to an embodiment of the invention. Again, one skilled in the art will recognize that the semi-mount heads 130 of FIGS. 3A-3L are merely examples and other variations are possible. As shown in these Figures, each of the focal stones 134 secured within each of the heads 130 provided by a retailer may be of a different type, shape (e.g., round, marquise, princess shape, or tear drop), and/or size (e.g., 0.5 carat, 0.75 carat, or 1.00 carat), thereby providing a different appearance for each head. One skilled in the art will recognize that in addition to or as an alternative to varying the stones 134 among various semi-mount heads 130, the heads may also vary in appearance as a result of including multiple focal stones, one or more secondary stones, and/or other forms of decoration, or simply changing the arrangement of stones.

According to an embodiment of the invention, each of the plurality of semi-mount shanks 110 provided or displayed by the retailer may have a substantially identical head mounting mechanism 114, irrespective of how the remainder of the shank is shaped or designed. Similarly, each of the plurality of semi-mount heads 130 provided or displayed by the retailer may have a substantially identical shank mounting mechanism 136, irrespective of the type, style, and/or size of stone 134 pre-mounted therein. In addition, head mounting mechanism 114 and shank mounting mechanism 136 of each of the provided or displayed shanks and heads may be of a mating-form, as described above. In this way and according to an embodiment of the invention, a retailer may provide or display to prospective customers different semi-mount shanks and different semi-mount heads with different stones mounted therein and allow the customers to interchangeably mix and match any of the heads with any of the shanks in order to form any number of different custom rings, each ring having the head detachably secured to the shank and each ring having a clean and finished appearance.

More specifically, according to an embodiment of the invention, a prospective customer may view a plurality of displayed semi-mount shanks 110 and semi-mount heads 130, each having a focal stone mounted therein, and select any one of the semi-mount shanks and any one of the semi-mount heads. Through head mounting mechanism 114 and shank mounting mechanism 136 of the selected shank and head, a jeweler, salesperson, or the like (hereinafter collectively referred to as a jeweler) for example, may thereafter secure the head to the shank to form a complete ring 102, as shown in FIG. 1B. As described above, the head mounting mechanism 114 and shank mounting mechanism 136 may have a form such that the customer may thereafter take ring 102 from the jeweler and hold and view the ring, or place the ring on a finger for example, and move the ring without concern that the head or stone will disconnect from the shank. In addition, the head mounting mechanism and the shank mounting mechanism may have a form such that ring 102 has a clean and finished appearance as if the ring where in a final form, even though the ring is technically not finished, allowing the customer to easily see how the completed ring will appear once completed. Again, according to an embodiment of the invention, ring 102 may also have the stylistic appearance of a custom one piece casting.

Assuming the selected head/stone 134 for example, does not meet the customer's preference and the customer prefers and selects a different head/stone, the jeweler may thereafter remove head 130 from shank 110 and replace the removed head with the newly selected head, thereby again forming a ring 102. Such a process may continue until the customer finds a desired combination of a head 130 and a shank 110. Thereafter and according to an embodiment of the invention, the retailer may form a finished ring by soldering, for example, the head to the shank.

Accordingly, semi-mount ring system 100 of the present invention has the advantage of allowing a retailer to easily and conveniently show a prospective customer numerous different custom rings. Semi-mount ring system 100 also has the advantage of allowing the customer to easily see how each custom ring will appear once completed. In addition, the present invention also allows a customer to handle and try each ring on a hand to further visualize how the ring will appear, without the jeweler having to hold the stone.

Reference will now be made in greater detail to a semi-mount shank 110 and a semi-mount head 130 according to an embodiment of the invention. Again, it is an object of the present invention to provide numerous shanks 110 with substantially similar head mounting mechanisms 114, to provide numerous heads 130 with substantially similar shank mounting mechanisms 136, and to be able to interchangeably mix and match any one of the heads with any one of the shanks to form numerous different custom rings.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, there is shown a front view, a top view, and a cross sectional side view of a shank 110 according to an embodiment of the invention. As indicated, shank 110 includes a body 112 and a head mounting mechanism 114. In general and as shown in FIG. 2A-2Q, the overall style/appearance of any given shank 110 may vary without deviating from the present invention and again, an object of the present invention is to provide numerous shanks of different styles. As an example, the inner surface 112 b of body 112 may be circular or rounded in shape to provide a comfortable fit on one's finger, although any desired shape may be used. Similarly, the size of body 112 may vary according to the wearer's finger size. The outer surface 112 a of body 112 may also be substantially circular or rounded in shape although again, any desired shape may be used. The cross dimensional width and height of body 112 may also have any desired dimensions and the width and height need not be uniform across all cross sections of any given body 112.

The outer surface 112 a of body 112 may have one or more decorative patterns or the like formed thereon, although decorative patterns are not required. Similarly, one or more secondary stones may be mounted at one or more locations around the outer surface 112 a of body 112 for example, although such stones are not required. Any mechanism known in the art may be used to mount secondary stones to body 112. When secondary stones are included, they may be of any shape, size, and/or type (e.g., precious stones, semiprecious stones, pearls, and/or synthetic stones, etc.). In addition to the above examples, one skilled in the art will recognize that other forms of decoration may also be added to body 112. In general, body 112 may be formed from any suitable material known in the art including, for example, one or more metals such as gold, silver, platinum, etc.

Turning to head mounting mechanism 114, according to an embodiment of the invention, this mechanism includes a bridge 116. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, bridge 116 may be secured to body 112 between walls 118 a and 118 b and may extend within the radial circumference of body 112. As shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, bridge 116 may be substantially rectangular in shape when viewed in cross section, although other shapes such as an oval, circular, triangular, or irregular shapes may be used, for example. Assuming bridge 116 has a rectangular shape for description purposes, the bridge may include an outer or top surface 116 a, an inner or bottom surface 116 b, and two side surfaces 116 c and 116 d, with these four surfaces collectively forming the length 117 a, width 117 b, and height 117 c of the bridge. According to an embodiment of the invention, the length, width, and height of bridge 116 are preferably substantially uniform across different semi-mount shanks 110 provided by a retailer. In particular and as described below, shank mounting mechanism 136 of head 130 seats over bridge 116 when forming a ring 102. Accordingly, the uniformity of the length, width, and height of bridge 116 (or more generally, the uniformity in the size and shape of bridge 116) across different semi-mount shanks 110 provides the interchangeability between different heads 130 and shanks 110.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4C, bridge 116 may be positioned such that inner surface 116 b lies flush with the inner surface 112 b of body 112. Nonetheless, this configuration is not required and the bridge may be positioned such that inner surface 116 b resides above or extends below surface 112 b. In addition, inner surface 116 b may be curved along the length thereof to correspond to the curvature of inner surface 112 b or may be substantially flat along the length thereof, for example. In general, note that the shape of inner surface 116 b and the position of inner surface 116 b relative to the inner surface 112 b of body 112 may vary between different semi-mount shanks 110 provided by a retailer without affecting the interchangeability between different heads and shanks.

As for outer surface 116 a of bridge 116, this surface may be curved along the length thereof to correspond to a curvature of inner surface 116 b for example, or may be substantially flat for example. Note that outer surface 116 a and inner surface 116 b do not need to have the same shape along the lengths thereof (e.g., one surface may curved while the other surface may be flat). Again, note that the shape of outer surface 116 a may vary between different semi-mount shanks 110 provided by a retailer without affecting the interchangeability between different heads and shanks.

Referring to FIGS. 4B and 4C, the width 117 b of bridge 116 may have a dimension that is smaller than the width 118 c of walls 118 a/118 b, although this relative size dimension is not required. In addition, as shown in FIG. 4C, bridge 116 may be positioned so as to be substantially centered left to right within walls 118 a and 118 b, although again, other relative positioning may be used.

Referring again to FIG. 4B, according to another embodiment of the invention, head mounting mechanism 114 may also include at least one opening/hole 120 formed within bridge 116 (while hole 120 is shown as being circular in shape, any shape may be used). Hole 120 may be positioned at the center of outer surface 116 a of bridge 116 for example, although other positions may be used. Assuming this position, hole 120 may extend radially inward from outer surface 116 a of bridge 116 towards inner surface 116 b of the bridge and may extend either partially into the bridge or completely through the bridge to inner surface 116 b. Again, other configurations may be used. As described below, shank mounting mechanism 136 of a head 130 may include a pin that is intended to seat within hole 120 when the shank mounting mechanism is seated over bridge 116 of a shank 110. The pin and hole may assist in securing the head to the shank. Accordingly, the size and shape of hole 120 and the position of hole 120 within bridge 116 are preferably substantially uniform across different semi-mount shanks 110 provided by a retailer in order to maintain interchangeability between different heads 130 and shanks 110. As indicated, head mounting mechanism 114 may include more than one hole 120, in which case shank mounting mechanism 136 may include more than one pin to seat within respective ones of the holes 120.

Referring again to bridge 116, one skilled in the art will recognize that while this bridge is described above as being a single unit with a rectangular shape, bridge 116 may be formed in various other ways and with different shapes, including irregular shapes, without deviating from the present invention. For example, rather than bridge 116 being secured to both walls 118 a and 118 b, the bridge may only be secured to one wall. Similarly, rather than bridge 116 being a single unit connected to both walls, it may be formed as multiple units connected to one or both walls. As another example, bridge 116 may be formed as two units, each unit being connected to a respective one of the walls and extending partially towards the other unit. Again, other variations are possible without deviating from the invention. In addition, different shanks 110 provided by a retailer may use different variations and shapes of bridge 116 as long as the different bridges used by the different shanks have substantially uniform overall shapes/dimensions (e.g., substantially the same maximum length 117 a, width 117 b, and height 117 c) in order to maintain interchangeability between the different shanks and heads.

One skilled in the art will recognize that bridge 116 may be secured directly to body 112 as shown in FIG. 4A for example, and may be integrally molded with body 112 or attached to body 112 as a secondary unit, for example. Nonetheless, one skilled in the art will recognize that bridge 116 may be secured to body 112 in other fashions without deviating from the present invention and different shanks 110 provided by a retailer may use different variations. For example, referring to FIG. 2G, there is a shown a semi-mount shank 110 with two secondary stones 115 a and 115 b, each mounted within a respective head 123 a and 123 b. As shown, heads 123 a and 123 b are secured to opposing ends of body 112 and bridge 116 is secured between heads 123 a and 123 b. Again, bridge 116 may be a secondary unit secured to the heads or may be integrally formed with the heads, or some variation thereof, for example.

In general, bridge 116 may be formed from any suitable material known in the art including, for example, one or more metals, such as gold, silver, platinum, iron, etc. In addition, bridge 116 may be formed from the same material as body 112 and/or heads 123 a and 123 b, or may be formed from a different material.

Referring now to walls 118 a and 118 b as shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, according to an embodiment of the invention and as indicated above, bridge 116 may be secured to body 112 between these walls. In general, walls 118 a and 118 b may be formed by body 112, as shown in FIGS. 4A-4C for example, or may be formed by heads 123 a and 123 b, as shown in FIG. 2G for example, that secure secondary stones 115 a and 115 b to body 112. Nonetheless, one skilled in the art will recognize that walls 118 a and 118 b may be formed in other ways without deviating from the present invention.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the tops of walls 118 a and 118 b may extend substantially above outer surface 116 a of bridge 116, thereby forming a void 124 as shown in FIG. 4A, for example. More specifically, walls 118 a and 118 b may extend to a height such that once shank mounting mechanism 136 of a head 130 is seated over bridge 116 of a shank 110 to form a ring 102, walls 118 a and 118 b extend along the sides of stone mounting mechanism 132 of head 130, for example. In this way and according to an embodiment of the invention as further described below, shank 110 and head 130 may give the appearance as being one continuous piece of metal, thereby resulting in a ring 102 that has the stylistic appearance of a custom one piece casting.

According to an embodiment of the invention, walls 118 a and 118 b may have substantially similar shapes and configurations between the different shanks provided by a retailer. In this way, the resulting voids 124 of the different shanks are substantially uniform in size and shape across the different shanks. Again, this uniformity maintains interchangeability between different heads and shanks, as described below. As an example and as shown in FIG. 4A, walls 118 a and 118 b may have a substantially planar shape and may extend at an angle 118 d upward from bridge 116. According to an embodiment of the invention, the planar shape and the angle 118 d at which the walls extend upward from bridge 116 may be substantially uniform across the different shanks 110 provided by a retailer so as to provide substantially uniformly shaped voids 124 across the different shanks. Again, one skilled in the art will recognize that other shapes for void 124 may be used.

One skilled in the art will recognize that walls 118 a and 118 b do not need to extend above bridge 116 as described above. In particular, according to another embodiment of the invention, the tops of walls 118 a and 118 b may lie only partially above outer surface 116 a of bridge 116 for example, or may lie flush with the outer surface 116 a of the bridge, as shown in FIG. 5 for example (i.e., shank 110 may not include walls 118 a and 118 b and as such, may not include void 124). In addition, one skilled in the art will also recognize that of the different shanks 110 provided by a retailer, some shanks may include walls 118 a and 118 b (with the lengths of the walls possibly being different among different shanks) that form a void 124 while other shanks may not include walls 118 a and 118 b that form a void 124. Again, as indicated above and according to an embodiment of the invention, when different shanks 110 include walls 118 a and 118 b, the voids 124 formed therein may be substantially uniform in size and shape across the different shanks so as to maintain interchangeability between different heads and shanks.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C there is shown a front view, a side view, and a bottom view respectively of a head 130 according to an embodiment of the invention. As indicated above, head 130 includes a stone mounting mechanism 132, a focal stone 134 or the like secured/mounted within stone mounting mechanism 132, and a shank mounting mechanism 136 secured at the base of stone mounting mechanism 132 for example. In general and as shown in FIGS. 3A-3L for example, focal stone 134 secured within stone mounting mechanism 132 may be of any type, shape, and/or size, thereby changing the appearance of any given head. For example, stone 134 may be a precious stone (e.g., a diamond or sapphire), a semiprecious stone (e.g. cubic zirconia), a pearl, or a synthetic stone, etc. The stone may have a round shape, marquise shape, princess shape, or tear-drop shape for example, and may be any size, such as 0.5 carat, 0.75 carat, or 1.00 carat for example. Again, it is an object of the present invention to provide numerous heads each with a different focal stone 134 mounted therein, for example. According to another embodiment of the invention, in addition to or as an alternative to varying the stones 134 among various semi-mount heads 130, various heads may also vary in appearance as a result of including multiple focal stones, one or more secondary stones, and/or other forms of decoration, or simply changing the arrangement of stones.

Stone mounting mechanism 132 may be any mechanism known in the art for securing one or more stones within a head and/or to a shank. In addition, according to the present invention, the mechanism used across different heads 130 provided by a retailer may vary, thereby changing the appearance of the different heads, for example. As an example, stone mounting mechanism 132 may be a bezel setting, a channel setting, a tension setting, or a prong setting. FIGS. 6A-6C show an example prong setting, the prongs having a top end 132 a and a bottom end 132 b. Stone 134 is mounted within the top end 132 a of prongs 132 in a conventional manner. In general, stone mounting mechanism 132 may be formed from any suitable material known in the art including, for example, one or more metals such as gold, silver, platinum, etc.

As indicated above, one or more shanks 110 provided by a retailer may include a void 124 formed by walls 118 a and 118 b, which void may have a substantially uniform size and shape across the different shanks. According to an embodiment of the invention, when shanks 110 include void 124, any given head 130 provided by a retailer may have a stone mounting mechanism 132 that is arranged and configured to substantially conform to sidewalls 118 a and 118 b and to lie substantially close to and possibly abut sidewalls 118 a and 118 b, irrespective of the particular stone 134 mounted therein, thereby consuming void 124. In other words, according to an embodiment of the invention, the size and shape of stone mounting mechanism 132 for any given stone 134 for any given head 130 may be arranged and configured to substantially match the size and shape of void 124. As a result of configuring a head 130 and shank 110 in this fashion, when the head and shank are interconnected to form a ring 102, the head and shank may give the appearance of being one continuous piece of metal, thereby resulting in a ring 102 that has the stylistic appearance of a custom one piece casting.

For example, referring to FIG. 7A there is shown an example head 130 secured to an example shank 110 according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in this Figure, stone mounting mechanism 132 of head 130 is configured such that the sides of the stone mounting mechanism that lie adjacent to sidewalls 118 a and 118 b have a size and shape so as to lie substantially close to and possibly abut sidewalls 118 a and 118 b. In this example, stone mounting mechanism 132 is a plurality of prongs and walls 118 a and 118 b of void 124 are substantially planar in shape. Accordingly, the prongs may be configured to be substantially linear in shape so as to conform to and fill void 124 as formed by walls 118 a and 118 b. Again, one skilled in the art will recognize that void 124 and stone mounting mechanism 132 may have other shapes. Note that in some cases, such as for smaller stones (such as 0.5 and 0.75 carat), it may not be possible to configure stone mounting mechanism 132 to sufficiently lie close to and possibly abut sidewalls 118 a and 118 b in order to fill void 124. As such, according to an embodiment of the invention, one or more spacers 133 a and 133 b may be secured to opposing sides of the stone mounting mechanism 132, as shown in FIG. 3H for example, which spacers act as gap fillers to fill void 124, as shown by the assemble ring of FIG. 7B, for example. These spacers may vary in width between different heads 130 depending on the particular stone mounting mechanism 132 being used and/or the particular stone 134 mounted therein, for example. For larger stones, such a 1.00 carat, such spacers may not be required. One skilled in the art will recognize that other mechanisms may be used to conform stone mounting mechanism 132 to the size and shape of void 124.

One skilled in the art will recognize that when one or more shanks 110 provided by a retailer include void 124, stone mounting mechanism 132 of the heads 130 provided by the retailer do not need to be configured to form the appearance of a custom one piece casting, as described above. For example, according to another embodiment of the invention, any given head 130 provided by a retailer may have a stone mounting mechanism 132 configured so that when the head is placed on a shank 110, the stone mounting mechanism 132 and stone 134 mounted therein simply fit within the void 124. Here, void 124 and stone mounting mechanism 132 may have different shapes. For example, referring to FIG. 8, there is shown a front view of an assembled ring according to embodiment of the invention. Here, shank 110 includes a uniformly shaped void 124 and head 130 includes a stone 134 mounted in a plurality of prongs, for example. As shown, the prongs are shaped to fit within void 124 but do not match the size and shape of void 124.

One skilled in the art will also recognize that of the different heads provided by a retailer, some heads may have a stone mounting mechanism 132 configured to fill void 124, thereby providing the appearance of a one piece casting, and other heads may have a stone mounting mechanism 132 configured to simply fit within void 124.

Referring now to shank mounting mechanism 136, according to an embodiment of the invention, this mechanism includes an inverted channel 140. As shown in FIGS. 6A-6C, channel 140 may be substantially rectangular in shape when viewed in cross section, although other shapes such as oval, circular, triangular, or irregular shapes may be used, for example. Assuming channel 140 has a rectangular shape for description purposes, the channel may be formed, for example, from a top plate 137 and two side plates 138 and 139 secured to and extending downward from plate 137. Plates 137, 138, and 139 may be cast as a single integral unit, may be secured together as three separate units, may be formed from a single unit with channel 140 etched therefrom, etc. While the overall outer shape of plates 137, 138, and 139 are shown as being rectangular/box like, one skilled in the art will recognize that other shapes may be used without deviating from the present invention and these shapes may vary among the different heads provided by a retailer.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, channel 140 may have a length 140 a, width 140 b, and height 140 c. According to an embodiment of the invention, length 140 a, width 140 b, and height 140 c of channel 140 are preferably substantially uniform across the different semi-mount heads 130 provided by a retailer. As described below, the uniformity of the length, width, and height of channel 140 (or more generally, the uniformity in the size and shape of channel 140) across the different heads 130 maintains the interchangeability between different heads and shanks 110.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the bottom end 132 b of stone mounting mechanism 132 may be secured to any of plates 137, 138, and 139, or some combination thereof, such that channel 140 extends in an opposing direction from the stone mounting mechanism.

In general and according to an embodiment of the invention, any given head 130 may be secured to any given shank 110 to form a ring 102 by seating channel 140 of the head over bridge 116 of the shank. Accordingly, the size and shape of channel 140 are preferably configured to readily receive bridge 116 across the different heads and shanks. In particular, according to an embodiment of the invention, channel 140 and bridge 116 across the different heads and shanks provided by a retailer may have substantially similar sizes and shapes, such as rectangular shapes, although again, other shapes such as oval, circular, triangular, or irregular shapes may be used. In this way, any given head 130 may be secured to any given shank 110 to form a ring 102. For example, assuming for description purposes that channel 140 and bridge 116 of a given head 130 and shank 110 have rectangular shapes of substantially similar sizes, channel 140 may be seated over bridge 116 such that bottom side 137 a of plate 137 (see FIG. 6B) substantially lies adjacent to outer surface 116 a of the bridge (see FIG. 4C) and such that the inner surfaces 138 a and 139 a of side plates 138 and 139 (see FIG. 6B) substantially lie adjacent to respective ones of side surfaces 116 c and 116 d of the bridge (see FIG. 4C), for example. In this way, head 130 detachably secures to shank 110.

Nonetheless, one skilled in the art will readily recognize that the size and shape of channel 140 do not need to specifically conform to the size and shape of bridge 116 in order for a head 130 to detachably secure to a shank 110 as described above. For example, channel 140 may have a rectangular shape and bridge 116 may have a cylindrical or rod-type shape. As one skilled in the art will readily recognize, if the diameter of a rod-shaped bridge conforms with the width 140 b and height 140 c of the channel for example, the channel will readily receive the bridge and obtain the above described configuration.

One skilled in the art will also recognize that different heads 130 provided by a retailer may use different variations/shapes of channel 140 as long as the different channels used by the different heads have substantially uniform overall shapes/dimensions (e.g., substantially the same maximum length 140 a, width 140 b, and height 140 c) in order to maintain interchangeability between shanks and heads.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6C, according to an embodiment of the invention, shank mounting mechanism 136 may also include at least one pin 142 formed within channel 140, which pin is intended to mate with hole 120 formed in a bridge 116 of a shank 110, as described above. Specifically, according to this embodiment of the invention, when shank mounting mechanism 136 of a head 130 is configured to include a pin 142 and head mounting mechanism 114 of a shank 110 is configured to include a hole 120, as channel 140 of the head 130 is inserted over bridge 116 of the shank 110, pin 142 within the channel is intended to engage hole 120 within the bridge. In this way, pin 142 and hole 120 act to further secure the head to the shank. Accordingly, pin 142 is preferably positioned and configured within channel 140 so as to correspond with opening 120 within bridge 116 and this positioning and configuration of pin 142 and hole 120 are preferably substantially uniform across the different heads 130 and shanks 110 provided by a retailer so as to maintain interchangeability between the different heads and shanks. For example, assuming opening 120 is positioned at the center of outer surface 116 a of bridge 116, pin 142 may be positioned at the bottom side 137 a of plate 137 at a center position thereof and may extend perpendicularly downward from the plate. In addition, pin 142 may be approximately the same size/shape as hole 120 so as to obtain a snug and friction-type fit and may have a length so as to substantially engage hole 120.

As indicated above, shank mounting mechanism 136 of a head 130 may include more than one pin 142 and head mounting mechanism 114 of a shank 110 may include more than one hole 120. Here, respective pins may engage respective holes to further secure the head to the shank.

In general, shank mounting mechanism 136 may be formed from any suitable material known in the art including, for example, one or more metals such as gold, silver, platinum, etc. In addition, shank mounting mechanism 136 may formed from the same material or a different material as stone mounting mechanism 132.

Referring now to FIG. 9, there is shown a cross sectional side view of a head 130 secured to a shank 110 thereby forming an assembled ring 102 according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 9 may be a side view of an assemble ring as shown in any of FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 8, for example. As described above, according to an embodiment of the invention, a retailer may provide a plurality of semi-mount shanks 110 with substantially similar head mounting mechanisms 114 and may provide a plurality of semi-mount heads 130 with substantially similar shank mounting mechanisms 136, and the head mounting mechanisms 114 and shank mounting mechanisms 136 may be of a mating configuration. In this way, ring 102 of FIG. 9 for example, may be the result of selecting any one of the plurality of shanks 110 and any one of the plurality of heads 130 and thereafter interconnecting the selected head and shank.

As shown in FIG. 9, the selected head 130 and shank 110 may be interconnected to form ring 102 by seating channel 140 of the selected head over bridge 116 of the selected shank. Assuming for description purposes that channel 140 and bridge 116 each have a rectangular shape as shown in FIG. 9, when seating the channel over the bridge the bottom side 137 a of plate 137 of the channel may lie adjacent to and possibly abut outer surface 116 a of the bridge and the inner surfaces 138 a and 139 a of side plates 138 and 139 of the channel may lie adjacent to and possibly abut side surfaces 116 c and 116 d of the bridge.

More specifically, according to an embodiment of the invention, the width 140 b of channel 140 (as shown in FIG. 6B) may be configured to substantially match the width 117 b of bridge 116 (as shown in FIG. 4B). In this way, the inner surfaces 138 a and 139 a of sidewalls 138 and 139 of the channel may form a snug and friction-type fit against side surfaces 116 c and 116 d of bridge 116, thereby connecting the selected head 130 and shank 110 in a secure and stable fashion and preventing the head from easily detaching from the shank. In other words, the bridge and channel may be configured to form a friction-type fit such that ring 102 may be moved without concern of head 130 disconnecting from shank 110. Nonetheless, bridge 116 and channel 140 also may be configured such that head 130 may be thereafter readily detached from shank 110 when the head and shank are purposely pulled apart.

Similarly, according to an embodiment of the invention, length 140 a of channel 140 (as shown in FIG. 6A) may be configured to substantially match length 117 a of bridge 116 (as shown in FIG. 4B). In this way, plate 137 of the channel may substantially conceal outer surface 116 a of the bridge providing the assembled ring 102 with a clean and finished appearance. In addition, height 140 c of channel 140 (as shown in FIG. 6B) may be configured to at least match the height 117 c of bridge 116 (as shown in FIG. 4C) so that sidewalls 138 and 139 of the channel may cover and conceal side surfaces 116 c and 116 d of the bridge, again, providing the assembled ring 102 with a clean and finished appearance.

As described above, when shank 110 includes walls 118 a and 118 b, the width 117 b of bridge 116 may have a dimension that is smaller than the width 118 c of the walls. As is now more readily understood and as shown in FIG. 9, such a configuration allows side plates 138 and 139 of channel 140 to lie substantially within the width 118 c of walls 118 a/118 b. Again, such a configuration provides the assembled ring 102 with a clean and finished appearance. Nonetheless, one skilled in the art will recognize that other configurations are possible, including side plates 138 and 139 of channel 140 lying beyond the width 118 c of walls 118 a/118 b.

Again, as described above, shank 110 of ring 102 of FIG. 9 may include a void 124 of a uniform shape and head 130 may have a stone mounting mechanism 132 of a uniform shape that substantially conforms to the size and shape of void 124, thereby filling the void, a shown by the assembled ring of FIG. 7A, for example. As described above, according to an embodiment of the invention, when a shank and head are configured in this fashion and are interconnected to form a ring 102, the head and shank may have the appearance of being one continuous piece of metal, thereby resulting in a ring 102 that has the stylistic appearance of a custom one piece casting. Nonetheless, as also described above, of the various shanks 110 and heads 130 provided by a retailer, the heads and shanks do not need to form the appearance of FIG. 7A when interconnected. For example, a retailer may also provide one or more shanks 110 that do not include a void 124, as shown in FIG. 5. Similarly, a retailer may provide one or more heads that have a stone mounting mechanism that simply fits within a void 124, as shown in FIG. 8 for example. Nonetheless, of the various possible configurations of heads and shanks, any selected head and shank may interconnect as describe above and as shown in FIG. 9.

According to an embodiment of the invention, once a desired combination of a head 130 and a shank 110 have been selected, the head may be permanently secured to the shank by securing channel 140 to bridge 116 using an epoxy, solder, a precious metal (e.g., gold, silver, or platinum), or the like. Similarly, if the resulting ring is to have the stylistic appearance of a custom one piece casting, a precious metal such as gold, silver, platinum, or the like may be placed along the seam of void 124 and stone mounting mechanism 132.

Referring now to FIG. 10, there is shown a cross sectional side view of an assembled ring 102 according to another embodiment of the invention, this embodiment now including an optional pin 142 of shank mounting mechanism 136 and an optional hole 120 of head mounting mechanism 114. Again, FIG. 10 may be a side view of an assemble ring as shown in any of FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 8, for example. According to an embodiment of the invention and as shown in FIG. 10, each of the shanks and heads provided by a retailer may be configured such that channel 140 and bridge 116 form a friction-type fit, as similarly described above in reference to FIG. 9. In addition, each of the heads 130 may have a shank mounting mechanism 136 that includes at least one pin 142 and each of the shanks 110 may include a head mounting mechanism 114 that includes at least one hole 120. According to this embodiment of the invention, when a given head and shank are configured in this fashion and are interconnected to form ring 102, pin 142 seats within hole 120, forming a snug or friction-type fit for example, although such a fit is not required. In this way, pin 142 and hole 120 may act to further secure a head to a shank.

As an alternative to the configuration shown in FIG. 10, according to another embodiment of the invention pin 142 and hole 120 may act as the primary mechanism that secures a head 130 to a shank 110. For example, each of the shanks and heads provided by a retailer may be configured such that channel 140 and bridge 116 form a loose fit (rather than a friction-type fit). In addition, each shank may have a head mounting mechanism 114 that includes at least one hole 120 and each head may have a shank mounting mechanism 136 that includes at least one pin 142, with pin 142 and hole 120 forming a friction-type fit as described above. With this configuration, pin 142 and hole 120 may act as the primary mechanism that secures a head to a shank.

In general, one skilled in the art will recognize that other variations of pins and holes within head mounting mechanism 114 and shank mounting mechanism 136 are possible without deviating from the present invention. For example, according to another embodiment of the invention, rather than head mounting mechanism 114 having one or more holes 120 within bridge 116 and shank mounting mechanism 136 having one or more pins 142, the pins and holes may be reversed such that the head mounting mechanism includes one or more pins (extending upward from bridge 116, for example) and the shank mounting mechanism includes one or more holes formed within channel 140 (in bottom side 137 a of plate 137, for example). According to this embodiment of the invention, when channel 140 is seated over bridge 116, the pin(s) seats within the opening(s), forming a friction-type fit for example. As similarly described above, bridge 116 and channel 140 may be configured such that channel 140 forms a friction-type fit with bridge 116. Alternatively, bridge 116 and channel 140 may be configured such that the channel forms a loose fit with the bridge. Again, one skilled in the art will recognize that other variations of pins and holes are possible. For example, both the head and shank mounting mechanisms may include holes and pins.

Referring now to FIG. 11 in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements, there is shown a cross sectional side view of a shank 210 and a head 230 of a semi-mount ring system 200 according to another embodiment of the invention. As compared to semi-mount ring system 100, semi-mount ring system 200 has the channel and bridge reversed between shank 210 and head 230. Specifically, according to this embodiment of the invention, each of the shanks 210 provided by a retailer may have a head mounting mechanism 214 that includes an upstanding channel 240 integral with body 112. Channel 240 may be substantially similar to channel 140, for example. Similarly, each of the heads 230 provided by a retailer may have a shank mounting mechanism 236 that includes a bridge 216 secured to stone mounting mechanism 132, for example. Bridge 216 may be substantially similar to bridge 116, for example. According to this embodiment of the invention, bridge 216 and channel 240 are configured such that bridge 216 seats within channel 240 thereby forming an assembled ring. According to an embodiment of the invention, bridge 216 may seat within channel 240 with a friction-type fit, for example.

According to another embodiment of the invention and as also shown in FIG. 11, head mounting mechanism 214 may also include one or more pins 242 formed within channel 240 in an upright orientation for example, and shank mounting mechanism 236 may also include one or more holes 220 within bridge 216, for example. Similar to above, pin 242 is intended to seat within hole 220 and may seat with a friction-type fit, for example. Again, the pin and hole may be reversed between bridge 216 and channel 240, or both the bridge and channel may include pins and holes. As similarly described above, according to an embodiment of the invention, bridge 216 and channel 240 may interconnect with a friction-type fit, in which case pin 242 and hole 220 may act to further secure the head to the shank. According to another embodiment of the invention, bridge 216 and channel 240 may interconnect with a loose-type fit, in which case pin 242 and hole 220 may act as the primary mechanism that secures a head to a shank.

Referring now to FIG. 12A in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements, there is shown a front view of a shank 310 and head 330 of semi-mount ring system 300 according to another embodiment of the invention. Here, shank 310 and head 330 detachably interconnect only through the use of one or more pins and holes. Specifically, according to an embodiment of the invention, each of the shanks 310 provided by a retailer may have a head mounting mechanism 314 that includes a bridge 316 secured between walls 118 a and 118 b, for example. Bridge 316 may be substantially similar to bridge 116, for example, but may have a decorative configuration in that the bridge is not concealed in this embodiment. Head mounting mechanism 314 also includes one or more holes, such as hole 320, formed in the top surface 316 a of bridge 316, for example, as further shown in FIG. 12B, which is a top expanded view of shank 310. Hole 320 may be substantially similar to hole 120 for example. Similarly, according to an embodiment of the invention, each of the heads 330 provided by a retailer may include one or more stones 134 mounted within a stone mounting mechanism 132, which is secured to a shank mounting mechanism 336 that includes one or more pins, such as pin 342 for example. Pin 342 may extend downward from the bottom end of stone mounting mechanism 132, for example. Pin 342 may be substantially similar to pin 142, for example.

Again, one skilled in the art will recognize that a retailer may provide a plurality of different styles of shanks 310 and a plurality of different styles of heads 330. For example, referring to FIGS. 13A-E there is shown a top view and a side view of different shank styles according to an embodiment of the invention, each shank including a bridge 316 and hole 320. Similarly, referring to FIGS. 14A-L, there is shown a top view and a side view of different head styles according to an embodiment of the invention, each head including a pin 342 and configured to detachably connect to the shanks of FIG. 13. Again, one skilled in the art will recognize that the shanks and heads of FIGS. 13 and 14 are merely examples and other styles are possible.

Referring now to FIG. 12C, according to this embodiment of the invention, pin 342 and hole 320 of the various heads and shanks provided by a retailer may be configured such that pin 342 seats within hole 320 to detachably secure a head 330 to a shank 310 and to thereby form an assembled ring 302. Preferably, pin 342 seats within hole 320 with a friction-type fit, thereby connecting a head 330 to a shank 310 in a secure and stable fashion and preventing the head from easily detaching from the shank when ring 302 is handled by a customer, for example. As similarly described above, according to this embodiment of the invention pin 342 and hole 320 are preferably uniform in shape and position across the different shanks and heads provided by a retailer so that the shanks and heads may be interchangeably mixed and matched. One skilled in the art will recognize that hole 320 and pin 342 may be reversed such that the hole is formed within head 330 and the pin is integral with bridge 316, for example.

Referring again to FIG. 12A, according to an embodiment of the invention, one or more shanks 310 provided by a retailer may include a void 124 of a uniform shape, as shown in this Figure. Nonetheless, the retailer may also provide one or more shanks 310 that do not include void 124 or alternatively, may provide a combination of both types of shanks. As similarly described above, when one or more shanks 310 include void 124, the retailer may also provide one or more heads 330 that have a stone mounting mechanism 132 of a uniform shape that substantially conforms to the size and shape of void 124 in order to produce a ring 302 that has the stylistic appearance of a custom one piece casting, as shown in FIG. 12C, for example. As also described above, stone mounting mechanism 132 of one or more heads may also include one or more spacers 133 secured to opposing sides of the stone mounting mechanism to act as gap fillers in order to create the custom one piece casting appearance. Alternatively or in addition, the retailer may also provide one or more heads 330 that have a stone mounting mechanism that simply fits within void 124 (as similarly shown in FIG. 8).

For each of the above described embodiments of the invention, it was noted that of the shanks and heads provided by a retailer, the shanks may include a void 124 and the heads may be configured to a have a shape that conforms to/resembles the shape of void 124. For several of these embodiments, void 124 and the heads were shown as having a substantially linear profile (e.g., see FIGS. 1A and 12A). Nonetheless, one skilled in the art will recognize that void 124 and the heads that are configured to fit therein may have any general shape without deviating from the present invention. For example, FIGS. 13 and 14 for semi-mount ring system 300 show a curved configuration. Similarly, referring to FIGS. 15A-N, there is shown an example shank 510 and three example heads 530 according to an embodiment of the invention, which heads and shanks are similar to semi-mount ring system 100. As shown by the various views of example shank 510 of FIGS. 15A-E and by the top, front, and side views of the three example heads in FIGS. 15F-H, FIGS. 151-K, and FIGS. 15L-N, respectively, heads 530 and void 124 of shank 510 may also have a substantially curved configuration throughout. As similarly described above, when a head and shank of the embodiments of FIGS. 13-14 and 15 are interconnected to form a ring, the head may consume the void so that the ring has the stylistic appearance of a custom one piece casting. Alternatively, one skilled in the art will recognize that the heads may simply fit within void 124. Again, one skilled in the art will recognize that other shapes are possible.

Referring now to FIG. 16, there is shown a process 400 for selling rings according to an embodiment of the invention. Beginning with step 402, a retailer (which, again, may be a jewelry store, department store, or the like) may display to prospective customers a plurality of semi-mount shanks of different styles and a plurality of semi-mount heads each having a stone of a different type, shape, and/or size mounted therein, for example. According to an embodiment of the invention, each of the displayed semi-mount shanks may have a substantially similar head mounting mechanism, each of the plurality of semi-mount heads may have a substantially similar shank mounting mechanism, and the head and shank mounting mechanisms of the displayed semi-mount shanks and semi-mount heads may be of a mating form such that any of the plurality of heads may be interchangeably connected to any of the plurality of shanks. As such, according to an embodiment of the invention each of the displayed shanks and heads may be of the same semi-mount ring system. For description purposes, it will be assumed that each of the shanks and heads are of semi-mount ring system 100, although any of the above described ring systems may be used.

Nonetheless, one skilled in the art will recognize that multiple and/or different semi-mount ring systems may be displayed. For example, of the semi-mount shanks and semi-mount heads displayed, one set of semi-mount shanks and semi-mount heads may use one variation of mating head and shank mounting mechanisms (e.g., bridge 116 and channel 140 of ring system 100) and another set of semi-mount shanks and semi-mount heads may use a different variation of mating head and shank mounting mechanisms (e.g., pin 342 and hole 320 of ring system 300), etc. Similarly, of the semi-mount shanks and semi-mount heads displayed, one set of shanks and heads may have voids and heads of one shape and another set of shanks and heads may have voids and heads of another shape, for example.

One skilled in the art will also recognize that of the displayed shanks within a given set, one or more of the shanks may include walls 118 a and 118 b to form a void 124 while one or more other shanks may not include walls 118 a and 118 b, for example. Similarly, of the displayed heads within a given set, one or more of the heads may be configured such that when attached to one or more of the shanks, the resulting ring has the stylistic appearance of a custom one piece casting. Similarly, one or more of the heads may be configured such that when attached to one or more of the shanks, the heads simply fit within void 124 but do not form the stylistic appearance of a custom one piece casting. One skilled in the art will recognize that other variations are possible.

One skilled in the art will also recognize that a retailer may display the plurality of shanks and heads in various ways. For example, the retailer may have the shanks and heads displayed in a fixture that is affixed within a showcase. Here, the shanks and heads may be individually removed from the showcase when shown up- close to a prospective customer. Alternatively, the retailer may have the shanks and heads displayed in a portable fixture that resides within a showcase, for example. Here, the retailer may remove the fixture from the showcase and place it on a counter for a customer's up-close inspection, for example. Again, one skilled in the art will recognize that other variations are possible. For example, a retailer may have the shanks and heads in a portable case that the retailer is able to carry and bring directly to a customer. For description purposes, it will be assumed that the retailer has a fixture that may be placed on a counter top for a customer's inspection.

Referring now more specifically to process 400 for selling rings according to an embodiment of the invention, a prospective customer may initially visually inspect the various shanks 110 and heads 130 (again, this is assuming semi-mount ring system 100 is being displayed). Based on the customer's selections or based on suggestions by a jeweler (which, again, may be a jeweler, salesperson, etc.), the jeweler may remove one or more shanks 110 and/or one or more heads 130 from the fixture and hand the shanks and/or heads to the customer to allow the customer to visually inspect the shanks and/or heads up close. Alternatively, the jeweler may allow the customer to personally remove one or more shanks and/or heads from the fixture.

Thereafter, in step 404 the customer may select or the jeweler may suggest, for example, any one of the shanks 110 and any one of the heads 130 as a possible combination for forming a ring 102. Thereafter, in step 406 the jeweler may secure the selected head 130 to the selected shank 110 through head mounting mechanism 114 and shank mounting mechanism 136 and hand the resulting ring to the customer. Alternatively, the jeweler may allow the customer to secure the selected head to the selected shank to form ring 102.

Next, the customer may handle ring 102 as if the ring were in a finished form, moving ring 102 so as to view the ring from different perspectives. The customer may also place ring 102 on a finger to obtain additional perspectives of the ring. Again, as a result of the head mounting mechanism and shank mounting mechanism of the present invention, the customer may handle the ring without concern that the head or stone will disconnect from the shank. In addition, because ring 102 may have a clean and finished appearance, the customer may easily visualize how the ring will appear when in its completed and finished form.

Thereafter, in step 408 the customer may make a determination as to whether ring 102 meets the customer's desires and preferences, whether the customer does not wish to purchase a ring at this time (step 410), or whether the customer would like to see other ring styles. Assuming the customer wants to see other rings, the process proceeds to step 412 where the customer may place ring 102 aside, for example, so that the ring may be compared to other rings. Alternatively, the customer may hand ring 102 back to the jeweler where the jeweler may grasp the head 130 and shank 110, for example, and detach the head from the shank. Alternatively, the customer may detach the head from the shank. The jeweler or customer may thereafter place one or both of head 130 and shank 110 back in the fixture for display.

Thereafter, the process may proceed back to step 404 where the customer may again select, or the jeweler may suggest, any one of the shanks 110 and any one of the heads 130 as a possible combination for forming a new and different ring 102. Note that assuming the head and shank of the previously selected ring are detached, the new ring may be the result of pairing the previously selected head or shank with a different head or shank. Alternatively, the new ring 102 may be the result of attaching a newly selected head and shank.

Thereafter, the process may proceed as above where the selected head 130 and shank 110 are secured to form a ring 102 (step 406), allowing the customer to then inspect the ring. Note that here, assuming different heads and shanks are being attached and set aside, a customer may easily handle and inspect several rings at one time to perform a comparison, for example.

The above process may continue until the customer either decides not to purchase a ring (step 410), or the customer decides to purchase a ring and the process proceeds to step 414 where the customer selects a desired combination of a head 130 and shank 110 that meets the customer's desires and preferences.

Assuming the customer selects a desired combination of head 130 and shank 110, the process proceeds to step 416 where the selected head and shank are next permanently secured to form a final ring. Again, according to an embodiment of the invention, the head may be permanently secured to the shank by securing channel 140 to bridge 116, for example, using an epoxy, solder, a precious metal, such as gold, silver, platinum, or the like. Similarly, if the resulting ring has the stylistic appearance of a custom one piece casting, a precious metal such as gold, silver, platinum, or the like may be placed along the seam of void 124 and stone mounting mechanism 132. According to an embodiment of the invention, the final and finished ring substantially resembles the ring prior to the head 130 and shank 110 being permanently secured. Finally, the process may proceed to step 418 where the final ring is thereafter delivered to the customer.

One skilled in the art will recognize that other variations of process 400 may be used to sell rings without deviating from the present invention.

Note that how the selected combination of a head 130 and shank 110 are formed into a ring (i.e., step 416) may be performed in different ways. For example, according to an embodiments of the invention, once the customer selects a desired shank 110 and head 130, the retailer may thereafter use the actual selected pieces to form the ring, as describe above. According to another embodiments of the invention, the jeweler or customer may place the selected head 130 and shank 110 back in the fixture and the retailer may thereafter form the final ring from replicas of the selected head and shank. The replicas of the selected head and shank may be stocked pieces maintained by the retailer. Alternatively, the retailer may fabricate replicas of the head and shank to meet the customer order. Note that the replicates may include a shank mounting mechanism 132 and head mounting mechanism 114, which mechanisms are secured to form the final ring. Alternatively, the replicas of the selected head and shank may not include a shank mounting mechanism 132 and head mounting mechanism 114. In other words, according to this embodiment of the invention, a retailer may use ring system 100, for example, to display and sell rings and may thereafter use traditional ring fabrication techniques to actually fabricate the ring, for example.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the displayed shanks 110 and heads 130 may include only synthetic stones, such as cubic zirconias. Here, the process proceeds as described above. Once a shank 110 and head 130 are selected by the customer (step 414), the head and shank may be returned to the fixture. The retailer may thereafter fabricate the final ring that is delivered to the customer by either using stocked pieces, for example, or fabricating new pieces. The stocked or fabricated head and shank may be replicas of the selected head 130 and shank 110, but may include real stones therein.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the retailer may work with a supplier. Specifically, according to this embodiment of the invention, a supplier may fabricate shanks 110 and heads 130 and provide these pieces to a retailer. Here, the retailer may select from a supplier's catalog, for example, a set of shanks and heads the retailer wishes to display. Alternatively, the supplier may provide the retailer with a standard set of shanks and heads. Thereafter, the process proceeds as above with a customer ultimately selecting a desired shank and head, for example. To fabricate the selected ring, the jeweler may fabricate the ring from the actual head and shank selected by the customer, may fabricate the ring from stocked pieces supplied by the supplier, or may use traditional ring fabrication techniques to actually fabricate the ring. According to another embodiment of the invention, the retailer may contact the suppler and the supplier may provide the assembled ring. In this latter case and according to an embodiment of the invention, the supplier may supply the retailer with shanks 110 and heads 130 that include only synthetic stones, such as cubic zirconias, for display purposes. Thereafter, the supplier may use real stones, for example, when forming the final ring.

Advantageously, as compared to the traditional method of selling custom rings by using shanks and loose stones, the present invention allows a customer to select a custom ring and to easily view and handle the ring as if the ring were in its final form. In addition, as compared to a ring series, for example, the present invention allows a jeweler/retailer to display numerous styles of custom rings while maintaining a limited sized inventory, thereby reducing cost. In other words, as compared to a ring series where the retailer must maintain all combinations of custom rings for display to a customer, the present invention allows the retailer to maintain only a single version of each head and shank style and to form different combinations of custom rings for a customer as needed. In addition, assuming the ring delivered to the customer is formed from stocked shanks and heads, the ring may be fabricated and delivered more quickly to the customer, as compared to using traditional fabrication techniques. Significantly, the present invention also allows the delivered ring to still have a custom appearance as if fabricated using traditional fabrication techniques.

Although the present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is preferred, therefore, that the present invention be limited not by the specific disclosure herein, but only by the appended claims. 

1. A semi-mount ring system comprising: a shank having a head mounting mechanism; a head having a stone mounting mechanism, a stone secured within the stone mounting mechanism, and a shank mounting mechanism secured to the stone mounting mechanism; and wherein the head mounting mechanism and the shank mounting mechanism are configured to have a mating and connectable form such that the head can be connected to the shank to form a ring.
 2. The semi-mount ring system of claim 1, wherein the head mounting mechanism and the shank mounting mechanism are further configured such that once the head is connected to the shank, the head can thereafter be detached from the shank.
 3. The semi-mount ring system of claim 2, wherein the head mounting mechanism and the shank mounting mechanism are further configured to form a friction-type fit when the head is connected to the shank.
 4. The semi-mount ring system of claim 2, wherein the ring has an appearance of a custom one piece casting.
 5. The semi-mount ring system of claim 1, wherein the stone mounting mechanism is at least one selected from the group consisting of a bezel setting, a channel setting, a tension setting, and a prong setting.
 6. The semi-mount ring system of claim 1, wherein the stone is at least one selected from the group consisting of a precious stone, a semiprecious stone, a pearl, and a synthetic stone.
 7. The semi-mount ring system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of heads of different appearances and each including the shank mounting mechanism in a substantially similar form such that any of the plurality of heads can be connected to the shank.
 8. The semi-mount ring system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of shanks of different appearances and each including the head mounting mechanism in a substantially similar form such that the head can be connected to any of the plurality of shanks.
 9. The semi-mount ring system of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of heads of different appearances; a plurality of shanks of different appearances; and wherein each of the plurality of heads includes the shank mounting mechanism in a substantially similar form and each of the plurality of shanks includes the head mounting mechanism in a substantially similar form such that any of the plurality of heads can be connected to any of the plurality of shanks.
 10. The semi-mount ring system of claim 9, wherein the plurality of heads have different appearances as a result of varying among the plurality heads at least one selected from the group consisting of a type of stone, a shape of stone, a size of stone, and a number stones.
 11. The semi-mount ring system of claim 1, wherein the shank includes a void and wherein the head mounting mechanism is situated within the void.
 12. The semi-mount ring system of claim 11, wherein the head is configured such that when the head is connected to the shank to form the ring, portions of the head substantially abut walls of the void.
 13. The semi-mount ring system of claim 11, wherein the head includes one or more spacers secured to the stone mounting mechanism such that when the head is connected to the shank to form the ring, the one or more spacers substantially abut the walls of the void.
 14. The semi-mount ring system of claim 12, wherein the ring has an appearance of a custom one piece casting.
 15. The semi-mount ring system of claim 1, wherein the head includes one or more spacers secured to one or more sides of the stone mounting mechanism.
 16. The semi-mount ring system of claim 1, wherein one of the head mounting mechanism and the shank mounting mechanism includes a bridge and one of the head mounting mechanism and the shank mounting mechanism includes a channel, and wherein the channel and the bridge are configured such that the channel can receive the bridge and thereby connect the head to the shank to form the ring.
 17. The semi-mount ring system of claim 16, wherein the channel and the bridge are further configured such that the bridge can be removed from the channel, thereby detaching the head from the shank.
 18. The semi-mount ring system of claim 17, wherein the ring has an appearance of a custom one piece casting.
 19. The semi-mount ring system of claim 16, wherein one of the head mounting mechanism and the shank mounting mechanism includes an opening and one of the head mounting mechanism and the shank mounting mechanism includes a pin, and wherein the opening and the pin are configured such that the opening can receive the pin when the channel receives the bridge to form the ring.
 20. The semi-mount ring system of claim 16, wherein the head mounting mechanism includes the bridge and the shank mounting mechanism includes the channel.
 21. The semi-mount ring system of claim 20, wherein one of the head mounting mechanism and the shank mounting mechanism includes an opening and one of the head mounting mechanism and the shank mounting mechanism includes a pin, and wherein the opening and the pin are configured such that the opening can receive the pin when the channel receives the bridge to form the ring.
 22. The semi-mount ring system of claim 21, wherein the head mounting mechanism includes the opening and the shank mounting mechanism includes the pin.
 23. The semi-mount ring system of claim 16, further comprising: a plurality of heads of different appearances; a plurality of shanks of different appearances; and wherein each of the plurality of heads includes the shank mounting mechanism in a substantially similar form and each of the plurality of shanks includes the head mounting mechanism in a substantially similar form such that any of the plurality of heads can be connected to any of the plurality of shanks.
 24. The semi-mount ring system of claim 1, wherein one of the head mounting mechanism and the shank mounting mechanism includes an opening and one of the head mounting mechanism and the shank mounting mechanism includes a pin, and wherein the opening and the pin are configured such that the opening can receive the pin and thereby connect the head to the shank to form the ring.
 25. The semi-mount ring system of claim 24, wherein the head mounting mechanism includes the opening and the shank mounting mechanism includes the pin.
 26. The semi-mount ring system of claim 24, wherein the ring has an appearance of a custom one piece casting.
 27. The semi-mount ring system of claim 24, further comprising: a plurality of heads of different appearances; a plurality of shanks of different appearances; and wherein each of the plurality of heads includes the shank mounting mechanism in a substantially similar form and each of the plurality of shanks includes the head mounting mechanism in a substantially similar form such that any of the plurality of heads can be connected to any of the plurality of shanks.
 28. A method for selling rings to a customer comprising the steps of: displaying to the customer a plurality of shanks, wherein each shank includes a substantially similar head mounting mechanism; displaying to the customer a plurality of heads, wherein each head includes a stone mounting mechanism, a stone secured within the stone mounting mechanism, and a substantially similar shank mounting mechanism secured to the stone mounting mechanism; and wherein the substantially similar head mounting mechanisms among the plurality of shanks and the substantially similar shank mounting mechanisms among the plurality of heads are configured to have a mating and connectable form such that any of the plurality of heads can be detachably connected to any of the plurality of shanks.
 29. The method for selling rings of claim 28, further comprising the step of detachably connecting a selected head to a selected shank to form a ring.
 30. The method for selling rings of claim 29, wherein the formed ring has an appearance of a custom one piece casting.
 31. The method for selling rings of claim 29, further comprising the steps of: disconnecting the selected head from the selected shank; and detachably connecting any of the plurality heads to any of the plurality shanks to form another ring.
 32. The method for selling rings of claim 28, further comprising the steps of: permanently securing a selected head to a selected shank to form a ring; and selling the formed ring to the customer.
 33. The method for selling rings of claim 28, further comprising, once the customer selects a head and selects a shank, the steps of: redisplaying the selected head and the selected shank; and forming a ring for sale to the customer, the customer's ring having an appearance substantially similar to an appearance of the selected head connected to the selected shank.
 34. The method for selling rings of claim 33, wherein the stone of the selected head is a synthetic stone and the stone of the customer's ring is one selected from the group consisting of a precious stone and a semiprecious stone.
 35. The method of selling rings of claim 33, wherein the forming step is performed by a supplier of the plurality of displayed heads and the plurality of displayed shanks.
 36. The method of selling rings of claim 33, wherein the forming step includes the step of forming the customer's ring from stocked replicas of the selected head and the selected shank.
 37. The method of selling rings of claim 28, wherein each of the substantially similar head mounting mechanisms includes a bridge and each of the substantially similar shank mounting mechanisms includes a channel, and wherein the channels and bridges are configured such that any of the channels can receive any of the bridges and thereby detachably connect any of the plurality of heads to any of the plurality of shanks.
 38. The method of selling rings of claim 37, wherein each of the substantially similar head mounting mechanisms further includes an opening and each of the substantially similar shank mounting mechanisms includes a pin, and wherein the openings and pins are configured such that any of the openings can receive any of the pins when any of the channels receives any of the bridges.
 39. The method of selling rings of claim 28, wherein each of the substantially similar head mounting mechanisms includes an opening and each of the substantially similar shank mounting mechanisms includes a pin, and wherein the openings and pins are configured such that any of the openings can receive any of the pins and thereby detachably connect any of the plurality of heads to any of the plurality of shanks.
 40. The method of selling rings of claim 28, wherein each of the plurality of heads has a different appearance as a result of varying among the plurality heads at least one selected from the group consisting of a type of stone, a shape of stone, a size of stone, and a number of stones.
 41. The method for selling rings of claim 28, wherein the substantially similar head mounting mechanisms and the substantially similar shank mounting mechanisms are configured to form a friction-type fit when any of the plurality of heads is detachably connected to any of the plurality of shanks.
 42. A method for forming a ring, the ring comprising: a shank having a head mounting mechanism; a head having a stone mounting mechanism, a stone secured within the stone mounting mechanism, and a shank mounting mechanism secured to the stone mounting mechanism; wherein the head mounting mechanism and the shank mounting mechanism are configured to have a mating and connectable form, and wherein said method comprises: aligning the head mounting mechanism and the shank mounting mechanism; and connecting the head mounting mechanism and the shank mounting mechanism to form the ring.
 43. The method of claim 42, further comprising the step of permanently securing the head to the shank.
 44. The method of claim 42, wherein one of the head mounting mechanism and the shank mounting mechanism includes a bridge and one of the head mounting mechanism and the shank mounting mechanism includes a channel, and wherein the channel and the bridge are configured such that the channel can receive the bridge and thereby connect the head to the shank to form the ring.
 45. The method of claim 42, wherein one of the head mounting mechanism and the shank mounting mechanism includes an opening and one of the head mounting mechanism and the shank mounting mechanism includes a pin, and wherein the opening and the pin are configured such that the opening can receive the pin and thereby connect the head to the shank to form the ring. 